I have had this beauty for 22 years (I am the second owner), and loved each note. But, since I spend more of my life being a double bassist, I'm certain that there is someone out there who would play it more frequently than I do.

Thanks, earsplit. I should say that I also have the original blue box power supply and the 5-pin cable. The box was sent in to Alembic a couple years ago, just to make sure that everything was working properly. The "motherboard" of the bass was also replaced around that time (2012?).

Hi everyone, Thanks for the compliments! I'm a super huge fan of this instrument! It is the most beautiful electric bass I have ever played. Some more details:

The condition is exceptional. The only scratches or blemishes to speak of can clearly be seen on the photograph of the back, on the brass plate. It is a Series 1, born in July 1990. Top: coco bolo Back: coco bolo Core: mahogany Neck: maple/Purple Heart Veneers: coco bolo Finish: Clear Tuners: Gold Gotoh Inlays: Oval Strings: set to 45-65-80-105 Electronics: FP6B, although as I said, we replaced the "motherboard" two years ago

It is a short scale bass.

Asking price - I'm looking at $5800 plus s/h, which includes the bass, strings that are on it (Boomers), blue Alembic power supply, and 5 pin cable. Based on what I'm seeing - and there are practically no Series 1 instruments out there right now - this is a pretty fair price.

Good morning everyone, I'll try to send a photograph of the "white dot," but I won't be able to get to it until Wednesday morning (Eastern). It's actually an inlay with the initials "TM" - he was the first owner (I'm the second). As for weight, I'll get on that question too, but probably not until Wednesday. Thanks and have a great day! Rick

I'm from Europe and really interested by your beautifull S1! As I'm an real Alembicer since a few month (and since long time ago in my heart), I'm really looking for something more than my current Spoiler and really felt in love with Alembic sound. If it sounds like I hope or dream, I'm ready to make some travel. Moreover I have some stuff to deal with M.I.T in the coming weeks in Boston. Do you think any appointment is possible ? Of course, if Ok, I can make the money available for any trade on US field.

You are almost right Rusty, it's in the right ball park for many reasons, unfortunately buying it from the USA would incur approximately a third on top for taxes and duty which is also payable on shipping costs too. Plus I prefer the pickup switch near the bridge and not on the lower horn

Hi Thomas it's a good idea and that is what i would do if the bass was exactly what I was looking for. However as lovely as it is, and without wanting to offend the seller, it isn't for me so it's not gonna happen for me with this bass.

My shorty series bass, when I find it, will more than likely be the last bass that I will buy so it has to be exactly right for me. A custom is not out of the question but it would mean selling off a few to offset the cost and ensure that I gig with it and I'm still not sure I could specify a perfect bass for me yet. It may well be that when I find a series shorty, it helps me decide what a perfect shorty would be. As it is I'm just off to get my lottery ticket and should I win this week, this reply will become academic. :-)

I suspect they are what Mica explains here "NOOOOOOOOOOOO Do NOT adjust these trimmers. These are part of the calibration for the high frequency noise cancellation network and are not user servicable. In fact, they are usually covered with strong stickers to discourage fiddling."

As I'm not so aware about Series Electronics, can someone explain me what are the main differences compared to Signature or Anniversary hardwares.... And what's the main purpose or advantage of this 5 pins connector and related power supply ?

On the basis of what I've learned from others on this forum, I think the easiest way to understand the difference for those of us who are not electronics wizards (and I am certainly in that category) is to think of a Series bass (especially a Series II) as providing one with the capacity of an onboard Superfilter (SF-2) tone shaping unit with stereo capacity.

The Series I & II use a hum canceler system . The Filters are both still LOW PASS in both a standard Series I&II . In a Series I there is a multi position Q Switch .In a Series II a CVQ or variable Q is attenuated with a special potentiometer. A Super Filter (SF-2) is not standard inclusive circuitry in a standard Series I or II unless asked for as an additional extra. I believe that to be correct .

As to the 5 PIN connector . The current drain is higher in the above stated system and therefore the two batteries will not last really long. With the external power supply connected via the 5 pin XLR one can play as long as one finds necessary for amusement and enjoyment for your optimal performance. IN addition, the audio signal is carried through the 5 PIN cable as well . The PIN out is as follows :

To expand of Wolf's update. The hum canceler system is needed as the Series instruments use single coil pickups. The pickups are also very low output due to their design to pickup up as much of the unadulterated string vibration as possible. These then feed the electronics to amplify the signal and eliminate the hum. To me these have a very open sound and get the closest to a clean piano sound and pick up more nuances.

The non-Series electronics use hum cancelling pickups and while excellent are not quite the same as Series. It is easier to hear than explain.

I own several Alembics with various electronics setups. They cover the range of Series, Anniversary, Essence and East Meets West. They all perform well within their specifications. I personally like the EMW on my set neck fretless better than Series fretless instruments. Between my short scales I'd give the edge to my Series but I still really like sound of my Brown Bass with Anniversary electronics. If I were in the market for a new bass I would definitely give this one a serious look and likely favor it over a non-Series bass.

Hello everyone, Brian, Wolf and Keith, thanks very much for the thoughtful description of the electronics, and Keith, for the kind words about the bass. I have found the sound of this bass to be extremely wide-ranging in timbral possibilities - it's just a matter of sitting down and experimenting. It seems that no matter the setting, the sound is clear and pure. Best, Rick

Hello everyone, I have left this dormant for a few weeks, despite some very great inquiries. Turns out that there was some technical issue - sorry if I missed any questions - please send me an email if you want to talk about this bass! Thanks, Rick basso.musico@gmail.com